This program is eligible for 2 hours of CLE credit in 60-minute states. In 50-minute states, this program is eligible for 2.4 hours of CLE credit. Credit hours are estimated and are subject to each state’s approval and credit rounding rules.
Overview
In our professional lives, we are exposed to many challenging situations in the world around us. Witnessing the suffering of others can take a toll on our own wellbeing. Learning to practice a few simple tools of self-compassion can help to bring more balance to these difficult interactions. When we feel the support of being kind to ourselves along with the motivation to take compassionate action, we have the inner resources to care for ourselves while continuing to help others.
This workshop will provide an opportunity for the legal professional to experience the resource of self-compassion as a tool to mitigate the stress of burnout. Coming to our professional lives as well-nourished human beings means we are bringing our best selves to our professional practice. Self-compassion is an ethical imperative because we are all worthy of care. The circle of compassion includes everyone.
You will leave this program with the specific tools to integrate the practice of self-compassion into your daily life, both personally and professionally.
This course will help you:
- Understand the ethics of self-care and the role of self-compassion in sustaining psychological well-being
- Identify and experience the three aspects of self-compassion as researched by Kristen Neff:
- Kindness vs. judgment
- Common humanity vs. isolation
- Mindfulness vs. over-identification
- Articulate the difference between self-esteem and self-compassion:
- Self-esteem is conditional, based on judgment and comparison.
- Self-compassion is a dynamic, reliable source of support in all circumstances.
- Develop an inner ally rather than an inner enemy
- Self-pity vs. recognizing suffering as part of human condition
- Weakness vs. developing resilience and inner strength
- Excuses for low achievement vs. motivation towards health and well-being
Gain these benefits so that you can offer your clients the best representation:
This course is designed to help lawyers reduce burnout in several ways:
- Improve focus leading to more effective case analysis and arguments
- Improve resilience to maintain composure and effectiveness when faced with setbacks
- Achieve better work-life balance and help you disengage from work when necessary and enjoy quality time off.
- Improve service to clients and help you better relate to clients’ personal experiences, especially when they are going through difficult times.
Co-sponsored with the PBA Large Law Firm Committee.
Recorded in January 2025.
Faculty
Beth Adelsberger, LPC, MFA
Beth Adelsberger has been a Licensed Professional Counselor for over two decades and has a lifelong dedication to artistic expression. After 17 years as an art therapist, she returned to school to pursue a Master of Fine Arts, deepening her creative practice while continuing to hold space for others with compassion and care. Her studio art practice and work as a therapist are deeply intertwined—each one informing the other. As an artist, she has a sense of awe and wonder about the world around her, and she bring that same openness and curiosity to her interaction with clients. At the heart of her approach is a commitment to deep listening and offering a space where people feel truly seen and heard—without judgment, pressure, or expectation. She believes therapy is an opportunity to align with a person’s truth, to discover where wholeness lies and to step into the roles that matter most with greater clarity and confidence. She knows firsthand the importance of finding sources of true nourishment and balance. She is passionate about helping people develop the tools they need to stay grounded and resilient amid life’s many pressures. She helps her clients explore ways to cultivate more joy, ease, and clarity—so they can continue making the impact that matters most to them.
Jacqueline M. Reynolds, Esq.
Jackie is a member of the Health Care Liability Practice Group at Marshall Dennehey, P.C. Throughout her more than 25-year career, she has provided legal counsel to physicians, physician practices, nurses, allied health professionals, hospitals, health systems and long-term care providers. Jackie handles cases throughout five Pennsylvania counties. Jackie received her Bachelor of Arts degree and paralegal certificate from Cedar Crest College, where she was also the recipient of the Butz Award as the member of the senior class who exerted the best influence in her college life and association. Jackie worked for defense litigation law firms in Philadelphia before returning to school at the Temple University School of Law. She joined Marshall Dennehey in 1995 as a law clerk and has remained with the firm since that time. Jackie is a past president of the Montgomery Bar Association and is an active member of the Women in Law, Medical Legal and Trial Lawyer committees. She is also a member of the American and Pennsylvania Bar Associations. She previously served as secretary and as a member of the board of directors. She is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
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